38 four thousand-metre peaks

38 mountains are gathered here all of which are over 4,000 m. This includes the Matterhorn.

A true paradise for alpinists. The names are familiar: Monte Rosa, Weisshorn, Dom, Täschhorn, Liskamm. But why 38 four thousand-metre peaks? Very simply: Alpinists can reach 38 four thousand-metre peaks from Zermatt. The list includes the famous mountains. With tips for excursions, hikers and alpinists.

The Dirruhorn (Dürrenhorn) is the last summit of the Nadelgrat ridge. It is located in the same massif as the Mischabel group of mountains, which is home to Switzerland’s highest peaks (Dom, Täschhorn).

The Dufourspitze is the highest peak in the Swiss Alps. The summit lies in the Monte Rosa massif, which has about ten 4,000-metre summits, depending on how they are counted. The highest is the Dufourspitze.

The Dunantspitze (4,632 m) lies beside the Dufourspitze. The peak forms part of the Monte Rosa massif, which has about ten summits of more than 4,000 m, depending on counting method. The Dunantspitze (right, black rocky crest beside the summit of the Dufourspitze) in the Monte Rosa massif is Switzerland’s second-highest peak.

The Liskamm is almost 50 m higher than the Matterhorn and has a very long ridge. The mountain is nicknamed the “Man-eater” because in former days many climbers fell to their deaths from the snow cornices along the ridge. Locals attributed the numerous accidents to the forces of darkness.

The Matterhorn, the king of mountains, is the most-photographed mountain in the world. It is myth and emblem for Alpinists and photographers alike, as well as Switzerland’s most famous landmark and symbol. In 2015, Zermatt will celebrate its mountain in the context of numerous events, all relating to the first ascent of the famous mountain by Zermatt mountain guides and Englishman Edward Whymper in 1865, 150 years ago.

The Monte Rosa massif, flanked by glaciers, is the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps. Depending on the method of counting, it has ten peaks higher than 4,000 m, and lies partly in Italy. The Dufourspitze (4,634 m, right, black rocky crest) in the Monte Rosa massif is Switzerland’s highest peak.

The Rimpfischhorn is easily recognisable thanks to its distinctive shape. The pinnacles were formed from pillow lava that oozed from the floor of the prehistoric Tethys sea millions of years ago. The rock subsequently eroded to leave these striking pinnacles.

The Stecknadelhorn is a small elevation on the Nadelgrat ridge, but because of its altitude of 4,241 m it is considered a 4,000-metre peak in its own right. An ascent can be incorporated in a crossing of the Nadelgrat ridge, depending on climbers’ physical condition.

The Täschhorn is the uncrowned queen of the Mischabel group. Even if the Dom is 55 m higher, the Täschhorn catches the eye with its appealing triangular form. The demanding south-east ridge and Teufelsgrat ridge are legendary.